Surviving an open-plan office
Open-Plan, but NOT OPEN-MINDED ?
Despite growing evidence about the drawbacks of the much-maligned open-plan office, it's probably here to stay. We look at ways to stay sane amid the distractions and irritations.
A study by the Queensland University of Technology showed conflict and higher staff turnover
in 90% of work places examined. Open plan offices were supposed to bolster team work and
improve communication, but there is a growing appreciation of the fact that many key tasks
require solitary effort and high attention levels for longer periods, In an environment of constant
interruption, achieving sustained concentration is often impossible.
Communal work places also make you sick. Viruses and bacteria spread quickly and, as highlighted in the Queensland study, workers in those offices have higher stress and blood pressure levels.
